FH Summary: Setting high expectations for children can significantly influence their future success by fostering positive habits and mindsets. Research shows that children who are encouraged to meet higher standards tend to perform better academically and socially. By creating an environment of elevated foundations, parents can help their children develop a growth mindset and essential habits, such as effective memory techniques and regular exercise, which contribute to long-term personal and academic achievements.

As parents, our expectations shape our children’s futures more than we might realize. The habits we help them cultivate today will form the foundation of their success tomorrow. This blog post will explore why setting high expectations can lead to higher success for your child, backed by reputable research and insights from the First Habits ecosystem.

The Upward Spiral of Good Habits

Developing good habits in childhood creates an upward spiral of success. When children consistently meet high expectations, they develop a sense of accomplishment and confidence. According to a study published in the Journal of Adolescence, children who are encouraged to reach higher standards tend to perform better academically.¹ The concept of an “upward spiral” refers to how positive habits and achievements build on each other, leading to increasingly positive outcomes over time.

One key aspect of developing good habits is consistency. Consistency helps children internalize these habits, making them a natural part of their daily routine. For instance, encouraging your child to read for 20 minutes every day can significantly improve their literacy skills over time. This consistent practice not only enhances their reading ability but also fosters a love for learning that can extend to other areas of their life.

“High expectations are the key to everything.” – Sam Walton

The Downward Spiral of Unintentional Habits

Conversely, neglecting to set clear expectations can lead to the formation of negative habits. Unintentional habits, such as procrastination or lack of discipline, can create a downward spiral, affecting a child’s overall development (read more on growth mindset here). Dr. Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist, emphasizes in her research that children who are not challenged may develop a fixed mindset, limiting their growth potential.²

A fixed mindset, as described by Dr. Dweck, is the belief that abilities and intelligence are static and cannot be improved. This mindset can lead to a lack of motivation and a fear of failure, which can hinder a child’s willingness to take on new challenges. On the other hand, a growth mindset – the belief that abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication – encourages children to embrace challenges and persist in the face of setbacks.

To avoid the downward spiral of negative habits, it is crucial for parents to set high expectations and provide the necessary support for their children to meet these expectations. This involves creating a structured environment where positive habits are encouraged and reinforced.

Backed by Reputable Research

Research supports the idea that high expectations correlate with higher success. A comprehensive study by the Harvard Graduate School of Education found that students whose parents set higher academic expectations were more likely to excel in school.³ This finding underscores the importance of parents’ roles in setting and maintaining high standards for their children.

In the study, researchers followed a group of students over several years, tracking their academic performance and interviewing their parents. They found that students whose parents consistently communicated high expectations performed better academically than their peers. These students were more likely to complete their homework, participate in class, and achieve higher grades. The study concluded that parental expectations were a significant predictor of academic success, even when controlling for other factors such as socioeconomic status and parental education levels.

The Pygmalion Effect and Expectations

One of the most compelling pieces of research supporting the power of high expectations is the Pygmalion effect. The Pygmalion effect is the phenomenon whereby higher expectations lead to higher performance. It can be best understood by a circle where our beliefs about another person’s abilities influence our actions toward the other person. This action has an impact on the other’s beliefs about themselves. The beliefs about themselves cause the others actions toward us, which again reinforce our beliefs about that person. And so on and on and on.

Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson conducted a famous study in 1965 to demonstrate this effect.⁴ They created an experiment in a public elementary school, telling teachers that certain children could be expected to be “growth spurters,” based on the students’ results on the Harvard Test of Inflected Acquisition. In point of fact, the test was non-existent and those children designated as “spurters” were chosen at random. By the end of the year, the students that were described as more talented had significantly increased their performance in the IQ tests compared to the rest of the class.

This experiment demonstrated that when teachers believed certain students had greater potential, they unconsciously provided more attention, encouragement, and support to those students, leading to better performance. This reinforces the idea that high expectations can significantly impact a child’s success.

The Role of Elevated Foundations in Childhood Development

Setting high expectations doesn’t mean pushing children to the brink. It involves creating an environment where they feel supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. This approach, known as “elevated foundations,” ensures that children understand the value of hard work and perseverance.

Elevated foundations involve setting realistic but challenging goals for children and providing them with the resources and support they need to achieve these goals. This might include creating a structured homework routine, providing access to educational resources, and offering positive reinforcement for their efforts.

For example, if a child is struggling with math, parents can set a goal for them to improve their math skills by practicing for 30 minutes each day. To support this goal, parents can provide resources such as math workbooks, educational apps, and tutoring if necessary. Additionally, parents can offer praise and encouragement when the child makes progress, reinforcing the idea that hard work leads to success.

Compounding Childhood Habits

Just as compounding interest grows wealth over time, compounding good habits can exponentially improve a child’s development. Encouraging small, consistent positive behaviors can lead to significant long-term benefits. For instance, instilling a habit of reading daily can enhance a child’s cognitive abilities and academic performance.

Compounding habits work by building on each other, creating a cumulative effect. When a child develops one positive habit, it often leads to the development of other positive habits. For example, a child who develops a habit of reading daily may also develop better time management skills, as they learn to set aside time each day for reading. This, in turn, can lead to improved study habits and better academic performance.

The concept of compounding habits can be applied to various areas of a child’s life. Encouraging healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and good sleep hygiene can have a positive impact on a child’s physical and mental health. Similarly, fostering habits such as kindness, empathy, and gratitude can contribute to a child’s social and emotional development.

High Leverage Childhood Habits

Some habits have a higher impact on a child’s success than others. These “high leverage” habits include regular exercise, consistent study routines, and effective time management. Focusing on these areas can yield substantial benefits in a child’s personal and academic life.

Regular exercise is a high leverage habit because it has numerous benefits for a child’s physical and mental health. Exercise helps children maintain a healthy weight, improves their cardiovascular health, and strengthens their muscles and bones. It also has a positive impact on mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and improving mood and cognitive function.

Memory training and techniques are another high leverage habit (which you can learn more about here and here), especially when it comes to enhancing a child’s ability to retain information. Implementing effective memory training exercises can significantly improve a child’s academic performance by helping them encode, store, and retrieve information more efficiently.

Short Story: The Power of Expectation

Let’s consider the story of Emma, a 10-year-old who struggled with math. Her parents decided to set a high expectation: she would practice math for 30 minutes daily. Initially, Emma resisted, but with consistent encouragement and support, she gradually improved. By the end of the school year, Emma not only excelled in math but also developed a newfound confidence in her abilities. This transformation highlights the power of setting high expectations and supporting children through the process.

Emma’s story is a powerful example of how setting high expectations and providing support can lead to significant improvements in a child’s performance and confidence. When parents set high expectations and provide the necessary support, children are more likely to rise to the challenge and achieve their goals.

Practical Tips for Parents

§  Set Clear and Achievable Goals: Establish specific, measurable, and achievable goals for your child. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks to make them less overwhelming.
§  Create a Supportive Environment: Provide the resources and support your child needs to achieve their goals. This might include educational materials, a quiet study space, and access to extracurricular activities.
§  Encourage Consistency: Help your child develop a routine that includes regular practice of positive habits. Consistency is key to making these habits a natural part of their daily life.
§  Provide Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward your child for their efforts and achievements. Positive reinforcement helps motivate children and reinforces the idea that hard work leads to success.
§  Model Positive Habits: Children learn by observing their parents. Model the positive habits you want your child to develop, such as reading, exercising, and managing your time effectively.
§  Be Patient and Persistent: Developing good habits takes time and effort. Be patient with your child and persistent in encouraging them to practice positive habits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, setting high expectations for your child can lead to higher success by fostering positive habit formation. By understanding and leveraging the power of good habits, parents can create an upward spiral of success for their children. Remember, the key lies in consistent encouragement and expectations, ensuring that your child feels empowered to reach their full potential.

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References:

1 Gniewosz, B., & Noack, P. (2012). The role of between-parent values agreement in parent-to-child transmission of academic values. Journal of Adolescence.

2 https://www.mindsetworks.com/science/#:~:text=After%20studying%20the%20behavior%20of,that%20effort%20makes%20them%20stronger

3 https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/09/10/parental-involvement-puzzle

4 Rosenthal, R., & Jacobson, L. (1968). Pygmalion in the classroom: teacher expectation and pupils’ intellectual development. Holt, Rinehart and Winston.